Maldives, Honeymoon & Coco Palm ... Please Offer Your Thoughts!!

[cincycreek]

Greetings ... I recently purchased a LL package (my first ever) for Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in the Maldives for my honeymoon in June. We are very excited andare anxious to spend numerous days on a secluded island! Does anyone have personal knowledge of Coco Palm? Or, does anyone have general travel tips for such an excursion?



We will likely connect through Dubai and I am also curious if anyone has experienced that airport. Being American, my fiance is slightly concerned with the infamous American stereotype within the Islamic nations.



Thank you in advance for your thoughts.



Kind Regards,


Dan

[claassenam]

Hi Dan,

Congratulations on your honeymoon! Although I am not familiar with that resort you generally cannot go wrong with a luxury link package. Hopefully someone on these boards can better enlighten you. Regarding Dubai, MaryJ is our resident expert. She has an apartment there and travels frequently. However, based on the little I know regarding Dubai and the experience I have had traveling in middle eastern countries, I would imagine you will have absolutely no problems in the Dubai airport or in Dubai in general. Dubai is the most "western", democratic of all the middle eastern nations and it is growing at an astounding pace. It seems to cater directly to tourists from around the world and as such I am sure you will feel perfectly safe and welcome there. I also have an inkling that MaryJ would encourage you to spend a night or two in Dubai en route to or from the US as it sounds like a fabulous playground with great beaches, shopping, restaurants and accommodations!

[llfoster]

Hello,

We have been to the Maldives 3 times - most recently 2004 ( think other years were 2000 and 2003). Unfortunately, we have not stayed at Coco Palm although we flew by it on our way to Soneva Fushi. Have also stayed at Hilton (overwater side) Banyan Tree, Four Seasons (older one), Huvafen Fushi, Soneva Gili. I am certain you will have a wonderful time. Even the airport in the Maldives is something else - surrounded by water of incredible shades of blue. Then the seaplane ride to Coco Palmshold bespectacular.From our trips, we have learned that we usually overpack - you do not need 6 pairs of shoes - usually we take our shoes off when we arrive at the island resort and put them back on when we are leaving!!! We have not traveled during June - just our schedules - usually gosometime in the Fall. If you snorkel, you might want to bring at least your own mask and snorkel - fins too if you have room. The fish (turtles and rays) are wonderful.



We traveled trough Dubai on one of the trips (flying on Emirates). We had about 6 hours between connecting flights, so we went into Dubai for dinner. Ate outside at a restaurant on the water-can't remember the name, I'll try to look it up. It was a great setting - the inside restaurant had a large aquarium tank. No special attire was required for woman - we walked around the very busy (even at 9PM) market area and then went to dinner. At dinner people we drinking and smoking. Prior ro our trip, I had spoken to a friend who described Dubai as being very "European". From our very brief exposure, this seemed to be true.



Have a wonderful trip!

[llfoster]

Following up on that restaurant in Dubai, I believe that the name of the outdoor restaurant may be The Quarter Deck which is almost immediately adjacent to the indoor Aquarium restaurant. Think both are at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. It was a very enjoyable setting - with boats, etc.traveling past the restaurant area.

[mary-j]

Yes being a U.S citizen won't be a problem in Dubai,. It is very Westernised and YES I would try and spend a night or two in Dubai just for the experience. You will see from my previous posts what Dubai has to offer. As for the airport...you will be totally amazed at the place. It is HUGE. Shopping at this airport is the best anywhere.You certainly will not get bored. also Duba duty Free have prize draws which they run and they give away luxury cars,1,000,000AED amongst other prizes. If you want anymore specific info then just let me know. By the way, I too am thinking about Maldives for my trip later on the year. Thinking of Hilton, W resort or Hufaven Fushi.

Cheers.

[afafaf]

My wife and my self have just came back from our honeymoon in Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

This is absolutely heaven on earth and I envy you!
Don't forget to let them know it's a honeymoon package, since another gift will be waiting for you both...If staying in a beach villa- make sure to have it located in the right place fo you, and consider the beach erosion which might make the whole difference...I'd recommend Villas 8-20, and the inner-side Lagoon Villa's - 93-95-97Adding at least 2 night in a Lagoon Villa is recommended. It's a whole new world!Mary Ann is a very helpful stuff member.May the weather be with you...I would have sent you some pics but that would lessen the surprise effect...
Enjoy and Congratulations!



adif